Paris, France. A severe heatwave spreading across much of Europe has prompted emergency measures in France, nationwide warnings in Germany and growing disruption for residents and tourists in Italy as temperatures climb toward record levels.
Forecasters said temperatures would continue rising over the weekend and into next week, with several countries facing extreme heat and related risks.
France prepares crisis response
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu was due to hold a crisis meeting on Saturday after the national weather agency Meteo France warned that the heat would persist into next week and described it as comparable to major episodes in 2003 and 2019.
By Sunday, forecasters said temperatures of 39 to 40 degrees Celsius would extend from the southwest through the Paris region into Burgundy, with some areas possibly reaching 41C.
Temperatures are expected to peak on Monday and could match historic highs.
Germany issues widespread alerts
Germany also faced near-nationwide heat alerts, with temperatures approaching 38C.
The DWD weather service warned that a combination of heat and humidity could trigger severe thunderstorms.
Italy faces strain on daily life and tourism
In Italy, temperatures expected to reach 37C were affecting daily life and tourism in some towns.
In Rome, visitors queued under intense sun outside the Colosseum as summer heat made sightseeing difficult. Some sought relief in the cooler underground spaces beneath the half-hidden remains of the Temple of Claudius.
In the northern city of Bologna, one of the hottest in the country, people splashed water on their faces at the central 16th-century Fountain of Neptune and sheltered in the shade of the porticoes.
Heat felt in Poland
In Warsaw, people sought relief from the heat at popular summer spots along the Vistula River.
Climate link highlighted
Scientists say climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and more intense across Europe, increasing the risk of health emergencies and economic disruption during the summer months.
